Showing posts with label Chesterfield County Virginia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chesterfield County Virginia. Show all posts

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces 2,000 new jobs in Chesterfield County

The Senate floor session in the Richmond capit...
The Senate floor session in the Richmond capital building. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~ Shandong Tranlin Paper Co., Ltd. will invest $2 billion in first U.S. advanced manufacturing operation~
-Project represents largest Chinese greenfield economic development project in U.S. and largest Chinese economic development project in Virginia history-

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today at the Virginia State Capitol that Shandong Tranlin Paper Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese pulp and paper company will invest $2 billion over five years to establish its first U.S. advanced manufacturing operation in Chesterfield County. The investment represents the largest Chinese investment and job creation project in Virginia history and is the largest Chinese greenfield economic development project in the United States. Virginia successfully competed against several other states for the project, which will create 2,000 new jobs by 2020.

            Speaking at today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “An investment of this magnitude, with the creation of 2,000 new jobs by 2020, represents the largest Chinese greenfield economic development project in the United States, and shows how Virginia is leading the way in attracting innovative businesses to the Commonwealth. Advanced manufacturing jobs are the heart of a strong and growing 21st century economy, and this investment symbolizes the economic recovery taking place across the nation, and will be transformational for the economy of Chesterfield County and the surrounding region. The opportunity to welcome a leading, global company’s first U.S. manufacturing operation and simultaneously strengthen Virginia’s relationship with China is invaluable. Economic development is a team effort, and it is the collaboration of the entire team that helped to convince Tranlin that Virginia is the best site for its U.S. operation. We are therefore partnering with the Major Employment and Investment Commission, and are confident this project will bring international attention to the thriving advanced manufacturing industry in the Commonwealth.”
“The Tranlin operation in Chesterfield County represents a project of historic proportions for Virginia,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “This global pulp and paper company is a national leading R&D Center for straw-based pulp and paper in China, among many other awards for innovation and invention, and will enter the U.S. market with its new paper and fertilizer manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County. The new 850-acre campus offers the potential for Tranlin to eventually produce its full product lines and continue to grow its operation and customer base while using Virginia’s natural resources. Attracting companies like Tranlin to Virginia is how we will build a 21st Century Virginia economy.”
“As we work to grow and diversify our economy, it is vital that we continue to build relationships with our largest agricultural and forestry trade partner, China, through both exports into Chinese markets and Chinese investments in business ventures here,” said Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. “Tranlin represents a tremendous opportunity for Virginia’s corn and small grain producers by creating a lucrative new market for agricultural residuals that are typically left in the field. Based on the agricultural supply chain opportunities associated with the project, the economic benefit to farmers in this region alone could exceed $50 million per year once the project is complete and operating at full capacity. I look forward to working with Tranlin as they begin to procure needed agricultural products from our growers, to help them succeed and continue to expand their investment in Virginia.”

Tranlin’s new manufacturing facility in the paper and fertilizer sectors will be located on an 850-acre campus in the James River Industrial Center. Based on analysis performed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension, the economic benefits of this operation will be felt throughout the agriculture sector, from new demand for agricultural equipment, to new jobs for direct and indirect agricultural jobs. In addition, this project will help preserve farmland by providing farmers a new opportunity to derive additional economic return from their land and equipment, creating positive economic pressure to maintain it in farming use. The harvest of straw in the spring and corn stalks in the fall for use by Tranlin will be two new cash crops for Virginia producers, in addition to other fibrous products from the surrounding area. From an environmental standpoint, the harvest of these agricultural residuals is compatible with the Chesapeake Bay-friendly no-till crop production practices these producers are already using. In addition, Tranlin prides itself on a process that leads to an environmentally friendly effluent, resulting in the discharge of quality, clean water.
Founded in 1976 and based in Liaocheng, China, Shandong Tranlin Paper Co., Ltd., formerly known as Shandong Tralin Paper Co., Ltd., is centered on the pulp and paper industry, with an annual productivity of 400,000 tons of refined pulp, 700,000 tons of machine-made paper, 400,000 tons of organic fertilizers, and 2.4 billion food and medical packaging boxes. The company has established a diversified product structure centered on the natural products and a marketing network in accordance with demands of internationalization. The main products, with more than 100 varieties and five categories, include refined natural pulp, natural culture paper, natural household paper, food and medical packaging box and organic fertilizers. The products are sold in more than 30 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions of China, and some products have been exported to the United States, Europe, Japan and South Korea.
We are pleased that Virginia and Chesterfield County will be the site of our first U.S. advanced manufacturing operation,” said Mr. Hongfa Li, Chairman and President, Shandong Tranlin Paper Co., Ltd. “Virginia has abundant resources of agricultural stalks, power and water supplymanpower, and strong transportation systemall necessary tools that guarantee Tranlin’s future development. More importantly, the Virginia team’s flexibility, patienceteamwork,cooperation, and above all, passion for foreign investment, factored into our decisionAfter an in-depth feasibility study that occurred over the past year, we have all the reasons to say “Yes, Virginia.”
            “We are very excited about joining the welcoming community of Virginia and Chesterfield County,” said Jerry Z Peng, Chairman and CEO of Tranlin, Inc., Tranlin group’s recently established US entity. “We are even more excited about the opportunity to apply our innovative technologies in building an industry-leading production base in central Virginia. We are confident this will not only provide U.S. consumers with clean and eco-friendly paper products, but also serve U.S. agricultural interests and home owners with all-natural and highly effective organic fertilizers.” Mr. Peng also noted his ties to Virginia, having received his MBA from UVA’s Darden School and currently serving on its foundation board.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Chesterfield County, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the Greater Richmond Partnership, Dominion Virginia Power, and the Virginia Port Authority to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $5 million grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Chesterfield County with the project. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

The company may be eligible to receive a Major Employment and Investment (MEI) custom performance grant, subject to approval by the General Assembly. An MEI project is defined under current law as a regional economic development project in which a private entity is expected to make a capital investment exceeding $250 million in the Commonwealth and to create more than 400 new full-time jobs. As part of its review, the Commission may endorse certain incentive packages for approval by the General Assembly.

"What a great and historical day for Virginia, the region, and Chesterfield County,” said Jay Stegmaier, County Administrator for Chesterfield County. “We have worked diligently within the county, and with our partners at the state, regional, and local levels, to build an environment that is attractive for this record-breaking announcement of $2 billion with 2,000 new, quality jobs. Additionally, this announcement comes from a leading company that manufactures great products while staying focused on the environment, recycling, and sustainability, which will contribute to the long-term success of Chesterfield County. The scope and reach of this project is enormous and has significant impacts on both the business and agriculture communities.  We enthusiastically welcome Tranlin as the newest international member of our corporate family."

“This announcement is the largest in the history of Chesterfield County,” said Jim Holland, Chairman of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. “It is very fitting that our county was founded on an international investment and now, over 400 years later, we are still celebrating why we continue to be a great location for companies from around the world. Welcome Tranlin, to Chesterfield County. We look forward to your continued growth and success."  

           “The Major Employment and Investment (MEI) Project Approval Commission was established in 2009 to help Virginia better compete for major economic development projects that require General Assembly approval for incentive packages,” said Senator Walter Stosch and Delegate Chris Jones, members of the MEI Project Approval Commission. “The Tranlin project is significant for Virginia and is critically important to win. These jobs and related revenues are important to our ability to fund education, health care and other core priorities. The MEI Commission is fully supportive of this transformational project and we are pleased that the MEI Commission could play a role in ensuring that the Commonwealth of Virginia is home to Tranlin’s first U.S. operation.”

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Governor McAuliffe and Capital One Announce Official Opening of New Data Center in Chesterfield County

Map of Virginia highlighting Chesterfield County
Map of Virginia highlighting Chesterfield County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today joined Virginia-based Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE: COF) to celebrate the official grand opening of its new data center in Chesterfield County. This Virginia data center is part of Capital One’s core IT infrastructure that incorporates new technologies to better meet customer needs now and in the future. Capital One expects to create more than 100 new technology and IT support roles in 2014 in Central Virginia.
Speaking at today’s event, Governor McAuliffe said, “Virginia has been home to Capital One for more than two decades, and the company continues to illustrate its commitment to the Commonwealth through major investments in our communities. The creation of 100 new technology jobs is a testament to Virginia’s strong workforce and is in line with my top priority of growing and diversifying our economy and making Virginia a leader in 21st Century industries. ”
Founded and headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Capital One is the country's 7th largest bank based on deposits, and is now the largest direct bank in the country. The company employs more than 15,000 associates in Virginia and more than 43,000 globally. Capital One Bank has approximately 900 retail branches, including 85 in the Commonwealth. 
            “We recognize the need to continually adapt and innovate to enrich the quality of our customer experience,” said Rob Alexander, Chief Information Officer of Capital One. “This new data center is a bold example of the value we place on having the best technology to deliver on our customer mission, and we are proud to continue our strong relationship with Virginia and expand our workforce here.”
Built in just 14 months, Capital One employed innovative technology and green practices throughout its 242,000 square foot facility.  Designed to be scalable to match future growth, the data center is built to stringent standards, including redundant power supply and significant backup systems to ensure uninterrupted critical services.  Additionally, the design and construction of the facility incorporated environmentally sensitive elements to minimize environmental impact and increase efficiency. Its ongoing operations also employ many green practices to meet or exceed stringent environmental standards. As a result of these efforts, the site has achieved LEED Gold certification through the U.S. Green Building Council.   LEED is the most widely recognized and used green building certification program, with 56,000 LEED projects worldwide, representing nearly 9 billion square feet of building space.
InformationWeek named Capital One as one the top innovators in the U.S for 2013, recognizing the company as a leader in leveraging technology to drive innovation and digital banking capabilities to enable a digital-first customer experience.  Capital One was recently recognized byFORTUNE Magazine as one the 100 Best Companies to Work For, and named one of the “Top 50 Organizations for Diversity” by Diversity Business magazine. Fortune names Capital One as a “Best Company for Leaders,” and Working Mother calls Capital One, one of the “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” as well as “Best Companies for Hourly Workers.”
Capital One is committed to advancing economic development, affordable housing, financial literacy and education to help individuals, families, and small business owners achieve their financial goals. In partnership with Junior Achievement of the Greater Washington and Fairfax County Public Schools, Capital One maintains a state-of-the-art financial literacy center on the campus of Frost Middle School in Fairfax that provides more than 14,000 middle school students a year with hands-on experience in budgeting, saving and smart spending.  
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Thursday, February 27, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Evonik Industries to invest $15 million in Business and Innovation Center in Chesterfield County

Seal of Chesterfield County, Virginia
Seal of Chesterfield County, Virginia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~Company to create 50 new jobs and retain 130 jobs~

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced in North Chesterfield today that Evonik Industries, one of the world's leading specialty chemicals companies, will invest $15 million to relocate and expand its Business and Innovation Center in Chesterfield County. The company will maintain its manufacturing operation in the City of Hopewell. Virginia successfully competed against New Jersey and Indiana for the project, which will create 50 new jobs over five years and retain 130 jobs.

            Speaking at today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Evonik’s decision to stay in Virginia is a win-win for the state and for the Greater Richmond region. Evonik Corporation’s expansion of its research and development facilities in Chesterfield County and the creation of 50 new jobs is a testament to Virginia’s ability to attract innovative and growing companies to the Commonwealth and will contribute to the long-term economic sustainability of the community.”

            “The addition of 50 new high-tech and high-paying jobs in Chesterfield County is great news for the region,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “As Evonik expands its footprint in Virginia, we look forward to continuing a long corporate partnership between the company and the Commonwealth.”

            Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. Profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health, nutrition, resource efficiency, and globalization. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms.  The company is active in over 100 countries around the world.

            "Virginia is a great place to do business,” said Dr. Reinhold Brand, senior vice president and general manager of Evonik's Consumer Specialties business unit in North America. “The state is known as very business-friendly. The region has highly-educated workforce. Talent from all over the world can be attracted to work and live here in Virginia. And it was extremely easy to work with the Governor and his economic development team. Our employees are happy to be in Virginia—and very excited about our bright future with the new facility."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Chesterfield County and the Greater Richmond Partnership to secure the project for Virginia. Former Governor Bob McDonnellapproved a $500,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Chesterfield County with the project. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

            “We are proud to welcome Evonik to our corporate family,” said Jim Holland, Chairman of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. “As a world leader in the manufacturing and developing of specialty chemicals, we are extremely pleased that they have chosen Chesterfield County for their new Business and Innovation Center. Research and development is one of our target growth markets and this announcement certainly fits well into our economic base. We look forward to their continued growth.”
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Friday, September 20, 2013

Eight Teachers in the Running for 2014 Virginia Teacher of the Year

Governor of Virginia Bob McDonnell speaking at...
Governor of Virginia Bob McDonnell . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Commonwealth’s Top Teacher to be Named Next Month

RICHMOND – Eight educators learned of their selection today as 2014 Virginia Regional Teachers of the Year during surprise classroom visits and announcements made by their division superintendents.

            “These teachers, from schools in every corner of the Commonwealth, are committed to excellence and the success of their students,” Governor Bob McDonnell said.  “I congratulate them for their selection as regional teachers of the year and thank them for what they do every day to prepare young Virginians for the future.”

            “The eight being recognized today exemplify what is best in Virginia’s public school teachers,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright. “Each encourages, motivates and challenges his or her students to meet higher expectations in the classroom in order to achieve academic success and to be prepared for the future.”

            The 2014 Regional Teachers of the Year announced are as follows:

·         Tracey Zaval, an eighth-grade civics and economics teacher at Midlothian Middle in Chesterfield County (Region 1)
·         Carrie E. Gantt, an 11th- and 12th-grade English teacher and Teachers forTomorrow instructor at Princess Anne High in Virginia Beach (Region 2)
·         Tara J. Hefner, a second-grade teacher at Courtland Elementary in Spotsylvania County (Region 3)
·         Melissa A. Porfirio, a first-grade teacher at Crestwood Elementary in Fairfax County (Region 4)
·         Jennifer B. Lovett, a reading specialist at Linkhorne Elementary in Lynchburg (Region 5)
·         Byard W. “Trey” Harris III, a music teacher and band director at Bassett High in Henry County (Region 6)
·         Tina H. Cook, a computer technology teacher at Chilhowie Middle in Smyth County (Region 7)
·         Shawnta L. Posey-James, an Earth science teacher at Greensville County High in Greensville County (Region 8)

            The teachers were selected from among candidates nominated by school divisions in each of the state’s eight superintendents’ regions. The candidates submitted portfolios highlighting their accomplishments, educational philosophies and community activities. A panel, including classroom teachers, representatives of professional and educational associations, the business community and 2013 Virginia Teacher of the Year Kathryn B. Galford of Chesapeake reviewed the portfolios and selected the eight regional teachers of the year.

            The panel will interview each of the eight teachers next month to select the 2014 Virginia Teacher of the Year. The decision will be announced during an awards ceremony to be held October 11 in Richmond.

            The 2014 Virginia Teacher of the Year will be the commonwealth’s nominee in the National Teacher of the Year Program. The recognition is given by the Council of Chief State School Officers, in partnership with the University of Phoenix and People to People Ambassador Programs, and sponsored by the ING Foundation and Target. Two previous Virginia teachers — B. Philip Bigler, the 1998 Virginia Teacher of the Year, and Mary V. Bicouvaris, the 1989 Virginia Teacher of the Year — went on to be named as a National Teacher of the Year.


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